Nicholas Harrelson
In an attempt to alleviate the physical and emotional pain, Nicholas went through a tough period of prescription drug abuse. He tried to hide his issues as he pursued a Master’s degree at Norwich and working for the United States Senate doing VA casework.
JAMES TEEPLE
“Failure has defined my life,” James Teeple said.
Something inside of him is broken and it hasn’t been easy to fix. He grew up surrounded by anger and violence, both inside and outside of his home.
Lee Jackson
“For the second time in two years, I was left without the use of my legs,” he said. “This time I was told that I might never walk without assistance again. I got better and proved them wrong. While I was healthy, I started lifting again. In 2017, I had just gotten into powerlifting when, for the third time in five years, I couldn’t use my legs.
Taylor Michael
Taylor was molested for seven years.
First by his own mother, then by her friends.
Sometimes in life, you encounter a situation that is so evil, so incomprehensible that simply living and moving forward seems impossible.
Tylor Black
“When I discovered APEMAN, everything changed,” he said. “The psychology of APEMAN changed my life completely. We are not all built the same, but we all bleed red.”
Tylor says the kindness, the determination and drive of being APEMAN STRONG has been the driving force behind continuing to move forward.
Brenton Raymond
Doctors told Brenton’s family that he wouldn’t live past three. That didn’t stop Brenton, though. He still has a huge scar where a tumor was removed that broke his femur.
But miracles do happen, and he’s turning 29-years-old soon.
Nate Sobon
High school is a hard time in anyone’s life. But throw cancer into the mix? It can be downright hellish. Unfortunately, that’s precisely when Nate was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (stage 2B), a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Matthew Aires
“It turns out I had multiple herniated discs in my lower back,” Matthew said. “I also had to get part of my neck replaced because of the amount of nerve damage.”
Months and months of intense rehab followed, and that’s when Matthew fell in love with both powerlifting and MMA.
Brian Nelson
“Two years ago, I started going to the gym and watching my diet,” Brian said. “Since that point, I’ve lost 70 pounds, but still have 20-30 to go. I’m in the best shape of my life, and APEMAN has really inspired me throughout the journey.”
Adam Griffiths
“The whole mentality behind APEMAN is something that I hold dear and channel when I lift,” he said. “It’s amazing to know there is a brand that is sincere, genuine, and greater than popularity and social media likes and shares."
Shawn Branning
“I don't know how to live without this fight inside of me now,” he said. “Most of the people in my life don't understand and I don't expect them to. They didn't survive what I did. They don't know the fire inside."
Gracie Davis
“Being a recovering addict, I was constantly searching for something outside of myself to fill the void, anything to get away from myself,” Davis said. “I found powerlifting...
James Getchell
“To me, APEMAN STRONG means not giving up no matter what the odds are,” he said. “It means supporting those who fight the good fight.
“It’s family.”